Automattic, the company behind WordPress hosting, announced on Monday that it has acquired WPAI, a startup specializing in AI solutions for WordPress. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
WPAI, known for developing tools like CodeWP, an AI-driven plugin creator, AgentWP, an AI assistant for site builders, and WP Chat, an AI-powered chat tool for WordPress queries, will undergo significant changes. The startup revealed that CodeWP and AgentWP would be discontinued in their current forms and integrated into Automattic’s offerings over time.
As part of the acquisition, WPAI’s founding team will join Automattic, focusing on enhancing WordPress with innovative AI solutions. According to Automattic’s announcement, the team will work on integrating AI features into the WordPress ecosystem to improve user and developer experiences.
In a blog post, WPAI outlined its future direction, emphasizing the development of applied AI tools and standards for WordPress. The startup aims to collaborate closely with the WordPress community to ensure these advancements align with open-source principles while enhancing the platform’s core functionality.
Automattic has previously ventured into AI with tools designed to help users craft concise and effective posts. The acquisition of WPAI signals the company’s intention to expand its focus on AI-powered tools for developers and site builders. Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg echoed this sentiment on his personal blog, underscoring the potential of AI in reshaping WordPress.
This acquisition marks Automattic’s second in two months, following its purchase of Harper, a Grammarly competitor for developers that operates locally on devices. However, Automattic’s recent growth comes amid legal tensions with WP Engine, a competing WordPress hosting provider. WP Engine has accused Automattic and Mullenweg of anti-competitive behavior, while Automattic argues that WP Engine has infringed on the “WordPress” trademark and failed to contribute adequately to the ecosystem. A court ruling on the matter is pending further clarification.
With WPAI under its umbrella, Automattic appears poised to redefine how AI integrates with WordPress, signaling continued innovation in the platform’s evolution.
Featured image courtesy of Search Engine Journal
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